Acting as an executor or administrator of an estate can be a significant responsibility, particularly at what is often an already difficult and emotional time.
As Head of Probate & Estate Administration at Stevens & Bolton, I work closely with personal representatives to help them navigate every stage of the estate administration process. From identifying and valuing assets, dealing with tax reporting and applying for the grant of representation, settling tax and other liabilities, through to distributing an estate in accordance with a will or the rules of intestacy, our role is to help make what can feel like an overwhelming process more manageable.
One of the key benefits of working with our team is the breadth of support and expertise we can offer. Estate administrations frequently involve a range of complex assets, including real property, private company shares, trust structures, and international assets. They can also give rise to a variety of challenging issues, such as tax reliefs, cross border aspects, accounting complexities, and potential disputes, all of which require careful management. By combining the expertise of our specialist probate lawyers, in-house tax compliance and accounting team, and colleagues across our real estate, corporate and dispute resolution practices (including our private wealth disputes team), we can provide a seamless, joined-up service tailored to each estate. Where international issues arise, we can also draw on our trusted network of overseas law firms and coordinate other professional advisers on our clients' behalf, providing a single point of contact and a streamlined experience throughout the probate process.
For me, successful estate administration is about putting the client at the centre of everything we do. Every estate is different, and every client has different priorities. Taking the time to understand those priorities, providing clear and practical advice, and being responsive throughout the process can make a real difference. Just as importantly, we can help executors understand their responsibilities, meet key deadlines, and avoid potential personal liabilities.
Our aim is simple: to guide clients through the complexities of estate administration with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
I've shared some of my thoughts on the role of probate and estate administration, and the importance of taking a client-centred approach, in this short video.
